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| Picture source: Atlus |
A relatively spoiler-free, surface-level dive into what is probably my favourite series of all time...
Moreso, if you're like me and just can't get enough of a good soundtrack, Persona has got you covered from all corners. Persona 3 has such a dark, brooding yet energetic soundtrack that you can't help but dance along to a little. Persona 4, whilst still incredibly dark in its story, has such uplifting music that always seems to make me feel happy and at ease. I mean, if you're ever having a hard day, listening to the special mix of "Next Chance To Move On" always seems to motivate me. And lastly - my favourite of the bunch - Persona 5. The incorporation of such jazzy uplifting beats with rock implemented throughout really hammers the theme of rebellion and fighting for yourself. It's endlessly catchy and empowering, and there's something for everybody. The music always carries the mood so well. I could gush about this soundtrack for years if I had the time. I have around two hundred hours of playtime in Persona 5 alone and I'm STILL not tired of hearing 'Last Surprise' at every battle. Speaking of which...
Usually, when it comes to my passions, my friends are pretty knowledgeable. But there's one game that I love - a series actually - that baffles them every time. So I often get asked - What the hell is Persona? A game? An anime? A manga? Well, yes - to all of the above, which usually only complicates matters further. When PJ showed interest in me doing a "crash course" into Persona... Well, I jumped at the opportunity. So, what the hell is Persona, where did it come from, and why is it suddenly everywhere? Let's talk about it.
Persona is, at its core, a series of games in the 'JRPG' or 'Japanese Role-Playing Game' genre, initially known for being part of the Shin Megami Tensei series and now becoming its own highly recognisable name. I must stress that each game is its own stand-alone story. You don't need to have played them all in order. It began with, as you may expect, Persona 1 & 2, released in 1996 and 1999 respectively (although in the west, Persona 2 was released in 2000). I'll admit, of the five mainline Persona games, these are the two I have not played and am least familiar with. I do know however, that they set the precedent for a "Persona" game - a JRPG with strongly written stories and characters, about using magical powers to defeat evil and corruption. After this, Atlus put the brakes on Persona for a little while, with six years passing until Persona 3 broke onto the scene; what a break it was.
Persona 3 introduced the new structure for the series as a whole. Fighting in another world using personas was still prevalent, but now the game had almost a life simulator feel to it, in which you'd be a regular high school student during the day and a badass, magic-wielding version of yourself by night. Arguably, the most important change with this structure was the implementation of "social links", in which you'd spend time with the characters to develop their arcs; this had an impact in the "other world", with each link making you stronger. Here, Persona's narrative took a new direction with its story - whilst it had already exuded depth, characters became much more critically important and impactful - there was an overwhelming focus on how the relationships you hold with people can make you so much stronger. This new focus, coupled with Persona 3's incredible style, gameplay, and story, really brought Persona into the limelight.
Persona is, at its core, a series of games in the 'JRPG' or 'Japanese Role-Playing Game' genre, initially known for being part of the Shin Megami Tensei series and now becoming its own highly recognisable name. I must stress that each game is its own stand-alone story. You don't need to have played them all in order. It began with, as you may expect, Persona 1 & 2, released in 1996 and 1999 respectively (although in the west, Persona 2 was released in 2000). I'll admit, of the five mainline Persona games, these are the two I have not played and am least familiar with. I do know however, that they set the precedent for a "Persona" game - a JRPG with strongly written stories and characters, about using magical powers to defeat evil and corruption. After this, Atlus put the brakes on Persona for a little while, with six years passing until Persona 3 broke onto the scene; what a break it was.
Persona 3 introduced the new structure for the series as a whole. Fighting in another world using personas was still prevalent, but now the game had almost a life simulator feel to it, in which you'd be a regular high school student during the day and a badass, magic-wielding version of yourself by night. Arguably, the most important change with this structure was the implementation of "social links", in which you'd spend time with the characters to develop their arcs; this had an impact in the "other world", with each link making you stronger. Here, Persona's narrative took a new direction with its story - whilst it had already exuded depth, characters became much more critically important and impactful - there was an overwhelming focus on how the relationships you hold with people can make you so much stronger. This new focus, coupled with Persona 3's incredible style, gameplay, and story, really brought Persona into the limelight.
After this followed Persona 4 in 2008, which further developed its focus on character development to astonishing results. With those games, the series started to boom in popularity, prompting spinoffs; manga; anime. Persona 4 was rereleased as Persona 4: Golden, with extra content. However, Persona 5 was facing issues. It was announced for the winter of 2014, and after delays on delays, eventually came out during 2016 to critical acclaim. There was a lot of anticipation - with it being the first completely new Persona game in eight years, and all the waiting for delays - yet it managed to avoid all disappointment. It skyrocketed the popularity of the series, was praised by critics endlessly and prompted countless spinoffs (and more recently, Persona 5 The Royal, with extra content). Persona 5 was my introduction to the franchise, and in all its jazzy glory, captivated me instantly. But how? Those are the facts of Persona (very briefly), but why do people love it so much? Let me try to explain, with the least amount of spoilers possible.
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| Picture source: Atlus |
Persona as a whole is an innovation, but I'll be especially focusing on Persona 5 here. The details in the design, from user interface to "all-out attacks" (special moves in combat) to the scenery and characters, every aspect is just beautiful. The colours and symbolism are constantly immersing you. The character designs convey so much personality. Plus, with Persona 5, entering the "other world" (in this game, the "Metaverse") prompts outfit changes, unlike the other games. These, along with the personas themselves, represent the rebellion within and are so unique to each character. It only adds on to their brilliant stories, which I'll talk about more soon. The user interface itself is absolutely stunning. It is a pleasure to use; it always feels so satisfying to do even the simplest of tasks, such as saving your game. Aesthetically, the details and intricacies of these games will stun you.
Moreso, if you're like me and just can't get enough of a good soundtrack, Persona has got you covered from all corners. Persona 3 has such a dark, brooding yet energetic soundtrack that you can't help but dance along to a little. Persona 4, whilst still incredibly dark in its story, has such uplifting music that always seems to make me feel happy and at ease. I mean, if you're ever having a hard day, listening to the special mix of "Next Chance To Move On" always seems to motivate me. And lastly - my favourite of the bunch - Persona 5. The incorporation of such jazzy uplifting beats with rock implemented throughout really hammers the theme of rebellion and fighting for yourself. It's endlessly catchy and empowering, and there's something for everybody. The music always carries the mood so well. I could gush about this soundtrack for years if I had the time. I have around two hundred hours of playtime in Persona 5 alone and I'm STILL not tired of hearing 'Last Surprise' at every battle. Speaking of which...
Arguably the most important part of playing a game other than its story is the gameplay. The gameplay in Persona follows a turn-based combat system, fighting shadows with weaknesses. Each of your party members controls a different type of magic, and you need to swap out teammates accordingly. Whilst this system is nothing new - weakness-based combat is something evident in games such as Pokémon, for crying out loud - it never gets tiring. Between special attacks like "all-out attacks" where your whole team combines for the kill, slick transitions, interesting enemies and boss fights and the undeniably catchy music, fighting always seems fun. These fights are conducted in palaces, which are places in people's cognition, born out of distortions in the heart. This all sounds complicated, but essentially - people are evil, have evil thoughts, and you fight those thoughts into not existing anymore. Palaces are always grand, each one uniquely designed; the end goal of them varies from game to game. Exploration is key here. However, the palaces are only half of the game. The other half? Trying to be a good student, making new friends, growing yourself as a person. The biggest part of this is the "social link" (or "confidant", in P5) feature. You grow, and your friends do too. You have to choose who you spend time with; this will help you massively with all other aspects of the game, as well as expanding on the story. And oh, what a story...
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| Picture source: Atlus |
I should clarify a few things right now. First of all, Persona games are dark. I mean, really, REALLY dark. Mass murder, unspeakable crimes, abuse, endless horrific things. It is a mature game for a reason. Secondly, they are very long and very story-heavy. Persona 5 is the longest of the bunch, and will average you eighty hours for one playthrough... yeah, it's long. But it's worth it. Lastly, they're games best experienced completely blind. Following the story yourself and feeling everything it will make you feel. Trust me. It's rewarding.
So anyway... what makes Persona so great? Yeah, the music is incredible, the aesthetics are breathtaking, and the gameplay is endlessly fun. But what you really play Persona for is the story. As I have mentioned multiple times, Persona 5 was my ultimate gateway into the series; it was all down to the characters and their journey. I promised not to spoil anything, and I will stick to that. But the massive ups and the debilitating lows are accompanied by huge twists that leave you feeling absolutely exhilarated. These games are experiences. It is very rare that a main cast can conjure up so much affection from me, but with the exception of Morgana (personally) I loved and connected with every member of the Phantom Thieves (the main group) in Persona 5.
These games will move you as much as you will let them, and you will find your own joy in who you relate to. For me, I found myself taking immense comfort in the character of Makoto Niijima and her arc of building her own self-confidence. A lot of her troubles hit me on a real, soul-crushingly personal level. These characters are all so fleshed out and so different that everybody will have their own favourite. One of my best friends, for example, didn't relate to Makoto as much but found great sanctuary in Goro Akechi. You choose who you spend your time with; you ultimately shape the experience based on who you are drawn to. Every character is worth your time. Even if you're not personally invested, their stories are still incredibly gripping and harrowing. With such a commitment in terms of playtime, you feel as if you're right there with them, which is exactly what good writing should do. Each game is different. The characters vary massively, also. You just have to try them out, enjoy them, and follow your heart. Honestly, it's an experience like no other, connecting to these games.
Okay, so I've rambled on about my love for these games as much as I can without spoiling things for you. Hopefully, my passion has inspired you to possibly check out Persona. But with so many spinoffs, each game being wildly different, where do you begin? I'd recommend starting with Persona 5, or maybe if you're really interested, waiting until March for Persona 5 The Royal, with extra content, story, and characters. It's the most up to date of the series; the most accessible. If you do check these games out, please feel free to message me on Twitter - linked in my bio - about them. I'd love to talk to more people about them. That being said, thank you for your time. Enjoy being immersed in the community, the different worlds. I know I do.
Okay, so I've rambled on about my love for these games as much as I can without spoiling things for you. Hopefully, my passion has inspired you to possibly check out Persona. But with so many spinoffs, each game being wildly different, where do you begin? I'd recommend starting with Persona 5, or maybe if you're really interested, waiting until March for Persona 5 The Royal, with extra content, story, and characters. It's the most up to date of the series; the most accessible. If you do check these games out, please feel free to message me on Twitter - linked in my bio - about them. I'd love to talk to more people about them. That being said, thank you for your time. Enjoy being immersed in the community, the different worlds. I know I do.
Article by: Taylor
